Ritchie Jones: Difference between revisions

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He is a product of the [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] youth system and was joined the club at the age of nine, Jones made five appearances for the first team, playing in the [[FA Cup]] and [[League Cup]]. During his time at United, he also went on loan to a number of lower league teams to gain first-team experience. He has made league starts for [[Colchester United F.C.|Colchester United]] and [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] in 2006–07, [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]] in the 2007–08 season and, in 2006, went on loan to Belgium's [[Royal Antwerp FCF.C.|Royal Antwerp]] for a month. Since leaving United he has played for [[Hartlepool United F.C.|Hartlepool United]], [[Oldham Athletic A.F.C.|Oldham Athletic]], [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]], [[Rochdale A.F.C.|Rochdale]], [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] and [[FC Edmonton]].

Jones was a member of the [[Manchester United F.C. Reserves and Academy|Manchester United Academy]] from the age of nine, and scored the golden goal to win the [[Milk Cup]] in 2003, beating Preston in the final. He captained United's Youth Cup team and was part of the United reserve side that won four trophies in 2004–05, and three trophies in 2005–06. Jones appeared for the [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] first team five times during his career with the club. He made his senior debut for United on 26 October 2005 in a [[Football LeagueEFL Cup|League Cup]] game against Barnet. Jones was also named as a substitute in a Champions league game away to French team [[Lille OSC|Lille]]. This was followed by a place on the bench against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] in the Premier League, and then another appearance away to Birmingham in the League Cup.

His next appearance was in a highly emotional night against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] at [[Old Trafford]], when he came on for the last half-hour and almost scored in a game that was dedicated to the late [[George Best]]. His last appearance before going on loan for first-team experience was away to [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] in the [[FA Cup]], although the match ended as a scoreless draw. In the 2004–05 season, Jones played for United's reserve side in the Central League and the Premier Reserve League, both of which United won. His goals also helped United get to the final of two cup competitions. In August 2006, former Arsenal manager Don Howe wrote about Jones in ''The Telegraph'', commenting on his ability, versatility and praise for his United performances.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Knowledge |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2343815/The-Knowledge.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=21 August 2006 }}</ref>

In January 2006, Jones was sent on loan to Manchester United's "feeder club", [[Belgian Second Division]] club [[Royal Antwerp FCF.C.|Royal Antwerp]], to gain further first-team experience. However, after playing just two games for Antwerp, his loan spell was cut short to provide cover for an injury-hit United midfield. At the start of the 2006–07 season, Jones made two more first-team appearances, playing in pre-season friendlies against [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]] and [[Macclesfield Town F.C.|Macclesfield Town]], in which he was credited with an assist for [[Wayne Rooney]]'s goal. He then played in United's 2–1 League Cup win over [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]], in which his cross set up [[Ole Gunnar Solskjær]] to score United's first goal.

In October 2006, he was loaned to [[Colchester United F.C.|Colchester United]] for a month to provide cover for injuries at the Championship club. His performances earned him praise from the Colchester United manager, [[Geraint Williams]], saying Jones was a credit to his club,<ref>{{cite news |title=Jones targets extended U's stay |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/colchester/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=nonwire_soccer/06/11/21/manual_163055.html&TEAMHD=colchester&DIV=nat1&TEAM=COLCHESTER&RH=Colchester&PREV_SEASON= |work=sportlinglife.com |publisher=Sporting Life UK |date=21 November 2006 |accessdate=13 January 2009 }}</ref> and though Jones expressed a desire to remain at Colchester, he returned to Manchester United at the end of his loan. In February 2007, he joined fellow Manchester United youngster [[Adam Eckersley (footballer)|Adam Eckersley]] on loan at [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] until 7 May 2007. He was given the number 10 shirt, and made four appearances for the Tykes before returning to Manchester United.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10309~961738,00.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120313182308/http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10309~961738,00.html| archive-date = 2012-03-13| title = Barnsley {{!}} News {{!}} Latest News {{!}} Latest News {{!}} REDS RAID OLD TRAFFORD AGAIN WITH JONES SET TO ARRIVE ON MONDAY!!!}}</ref> At the start of the 2007–08 season, Jones played in a pre-season friendly alongside Owen Hargreaves in midfield against [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]]. Manchester United won 3–1, with Jones scoring one of the goals.<ref>{{cite news |first=Adam |last=Bostock |title=Report: Peterboro 1 Utd XI 3 |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2007/Aug/Report-Peterboro-1-Utd-XI-3.aspx |website=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United |date=4 August 2007 |accessdate=5 January 2015 }}</ref>

On 27 June 2008, it was announced that Jones was to be released by Manchester United at the end of his contract on 30 June.<ref>{{cite news |first=Gemma |last=Thompson |title=Reds to release youngsters |url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6612713 |work=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United |date=27 June 2008 |accessdate=27 June 2008 }}</ref> On 4 July 2008, Jones signed for [[Hartlepool United F.C.|Hartlepool United]] on a free transfer,<ref>{{cite news |title=Jones signing is feather in cap |url=http://www.hartlepoolunited.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10326~1339012,00.html |work=hartlepoolunited.co.uk |publisher=Hartlepool United FC |date=4 July 2008 |accessdate=4 July 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004203247/http://www.hartlepoolunited.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10326~1339012,00.html |archivedate=4 October 2008 |deadurlurl-status=nolive}}</ref> beating off competition from [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]] and [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Duo lead chase for Jones|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/3750618/duo-lead-chase-for-jones|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 June 2008|accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref>

In his first season at Hartlepool United, Jones came second in an end-of-season fans vote for 'Young Player of the Year',<ref>{{cite news |title=Vital Hartlepool Awards: Young Player Ofof Thethe Year |url=http://www.hartlepool.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=156566 |work=VitalHartlepool.co.uk |publisher=Vital Hartlepool |date=5 June 2009 |accessdate=30 June 2009}}</ref> resulting in Hartlepool taking up their option to extend Jones' contract to the end of the 2009–10 season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Keepers fail to net new deals |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/north-east-sport/football/hartlepool-football/2009/05/07/keepers-fail-to-net-new-deals-84229-23566281/ |work=gazettelive.co.uk |publisher=Evening Gazette |date=7 May 2009 |accessdate=30 June 2009}}</ref> On 12 May 2010, Jones was granted a free transfer from Hartlepool United.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pools Announce Retained List |url=http://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10326~2049430,00.html |work=hartlepoolunited.co.uk |publisher=Hartlepool United FC |date=12 May 2010 |accessdate=12 May 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224042158/http://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10326~2049430,00.html|archivedate=24 February 2012 |deadurlurl-status=nolive }}</ref>

Two months later, on 7 July 2010, Jones signed a one-year contract with [[Oldham Athletic A.F.C.|Oldham Athletic]], with the option to extend the deal by a further year, becoming [[Paul Dickov]]'s first signing as Oldham manager.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ritchie Jones Joins Latics |url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsUpdate/0,,10337~2086135,00.html |work=oldhamathletic.co.uk |publisher=Oldham Athletic AFC |date=7 July 2010 |accessdate=20 December 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710045943/http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsUpdate/0,,10337~2086135,00.html |archivedate=10 July 2010 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead }}</ref>

It was reported that Jones had also been offered contracts by a [[Football LeagueEFL Championship|Championship]] team and two other [[FootballEFL League One|League One]] sides.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ritchie Jones Joins Latics |url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsUpdate/0,,10337~2086135,00.html |work=oldhamathletic.co.uk |publisher=Oldham Athletic AFC |date=7 July 2010 |accessdate=7 July 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327092425/http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsUpdate/0,,10337~2086135,00.html |archivedate=27 March 2012 |deadurlurl-status=yes |df=dmy-alldead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Latics win Jones race |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11730_6249718,00.html |workpublisher=Sky Sports |publisher=BSkyB |date=7 July 2010 |accessdate=7 July 2010 }}</ref> Jones scored his first and only goal for Oldham in a 5–2 defeat against Peterborough United on 10 September 2010, heading home a pass from [[Paul Black (English footballer)|Paul Black]] to open the scoring.<ref>{{cite news |title=Peterborough 5-2 Oldham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8967850.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=11 September 2010 |accessdate=4 December 2013 }}</ref>

Later that month, Jones was offered a new contract by the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Waiting game for Latics players|url=http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/55076/waiting-game-for-latics-players|publisher=Oldham Chronicle|date=11 April 2011|accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref> However, on 9 May 2011, Jones declined Oldham's offer of a one-year extension to his contract, despite Dickov's keenness to keep him on. The two parties agreed that Jones would leave on a free transfer at the end of his current contract.<ref>{{cite news |first=Graeme |last=Bailey |title=Jones shuns Oldham stay |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11719_6923804,00.html |workpublisher=Sky Sports |publisher=BSkyB |date=9 May 2011 |accessdate=9 May 2011 }}</ref> Jones was then rumoured to be linked with a move to clubs from [[Major League Soccer]].<ref>{{cite news|title=MLS eye Jones|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11688/7029056/mls-eye-jones|publisher=Sky Sports|date=8 July 2011|accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref>

In 2012–13, Bradford again reached the Northern area semi-final of the Football League Trophy. Jones scored in the quarter-final against Port Vale to progress to the semi-final against [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]]. On 11 December 2012, Jones featured for Bradford in the famous victory over Arsenal in the League Cup quarter-final at Valley Parade.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bradford 1–1 Arsenal (3–2 pens) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20590500 |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=11 December 2012 |accessdate=13 December 2012 }}</ref> However, having only made 10 appearances in the 2012–13 season because of damaging his ankle ligaments,<ref>{{cite news|title=Jones making steady progress|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11745/8173277/jones-making-steady-progress|publisher=Sky Sports|date=17 October 2012|accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref> Jones left the club by mutual consent at the end of January 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ritchie Jones leaves City |url=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-jones-leaves-631805.aspx |website=bradfordcityfc.co.uk |publisher=Bradford City AFC |date=31 January 2013 |accessdate=20 December 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220205058/http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-jones-leaves-631805.aspx |archivedate=20 December 2014 |deadurlurl-status=nolive }}</ref>

On 12 February 2013, Jones signed for [[Rochdale A.F.C.|Rochdale]] until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hill Lands Jones |url=http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-jones-652917.aspx |website=rochdaleafc.co.uk |publisher=Rochdale AFC |accessdate=20 December 2014 |date=12 February 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220205639/http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-jones-652917.aspx |archivedate=20 December 2014 |deadurlurl-status=nolive }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Rochdale: Ritchie Jones signs on non-contract terms |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21426815 |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=12 February 2013 |accessdate=20 December 2014 }}</ref> Jones sustained an ankle injury and would only make three appearanceappearances for the club.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ritchie Jones Injury |url=http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/article/jones-injury-714470.aspx |publisher=Rochdale AFC |accessdate=20 December 2014 |date=14 March 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220205701/http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/article/jones-injury-714470.aspx |archivedate=20 December 2014 |deadurlurl-status=nolive }}</ref> At the end of the season, Rochdale did not offer Jones an extension to his contract and he was released by the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/article/releasedlist2013-793506.aspx |title=Rochdale: Released List |publisher=Rochdale AFC |accessdate=20 December 2014 |date=26 April 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220205709/http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/article/releasedlist2013-793506.aspx |archivedate=20 December 2014 |deadurlurl-status=nolive }}</ref>

On 11 September 2013, following a short trial with the [[San Jose Earthquakes]] in the United States,<ref>http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/06/13/san-jose-earthquakes-bring-former-manchester-united-youth-player-simon-dawki {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> Jones joined [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] on trial, and a few days later he joined the club on a rolling monthly contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-set-for-town-1050802.aspx |title=Ritchie Set For Grimsby Town |publisher=Grimsby Town FC |accessdate=20 December 2014 |date=14 September 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220210428/http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-set-for-town-1050802.aspx |archivedate=20 December 2014 |deadurlurl-status=nolive }}</ref> Grimsby manager [[Paul Hurst]] said there was no doubt he would like to agree a permanent deal for the midfielder, as he was concerned that rival clubs could start to circling for Jones after a promising start to his career.<ref>{{cite news|title=Grimsby Town boss worried rivals could snatch Ritchie Jones|url=http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Grimsby-Town-boss-worried-rivals-snatch-Ritchie/story-19852646-detail/story.html|publisherwork=Grimsby Telegraph|date=27 September 2013|accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref> On 10 October 2013, he signed a contract keeping him at the club until mid-January.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-pens-town-deal-1108034.aspx|title=Ritchie pens Grimsby Town deal|publisher=Grimsby Town FC|accessdate=20 December 2014|date=10 October 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220210423/http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-pens-town-deal-1108034.aspx|archivedate=20 December 2014 |deadurlurl-status=nolive }}</ref> On 27 November 2013, he was released by the club by mutual consent, having played six times.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-departs-1196873.aspx |title=Ritchie Departs |publisher=Grimsby Town FC |accessdate=20 December 2014 |date=27 November 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220210438/http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/ritchie-departs-1196873.aspx |archivedate=20 December 2014 |deadurlurl-status=nolive }}</ref>

On 15 January 2014, Jones signed with [[North American Soccer League (2011–2017)|NASL]] club [[FC Edmonton]].<ref>{{cite news|title=FC EDMONTON ADD MIDFIELDERS BANNER AND JONES|url=http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/171pojhmp2d1y1pi7siwyalpq3/fc-edmonton-add-midfielders-banner-jones|publisher=North American Soccer League|date=15 January 2014|accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref>

Jones made his NASL debut with the Eddies in their season opener on 12 April, starting in central midfield against the [[Tampa Bay Rowdies]].<ref>{{cite news|title=FC Edmonton Match Center -– 12 April 2014|url=http://www.fcedmonton.com/matches/match_center/gsmid/1620521|publisher=FC Edmonton|date=12 April 2014|accessdate=12 April 2014}}</ref> His first ever goal with FC Edmonton, a scissor kick against the [[Carolina RailHawks]] on 16 August, saw Jones named to the NASL Team of the Week.<ref>{{cite news|title=FALL SEASON 2014: NASL TEAM OF WEEK 6|url=http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/6hukd63mfygf1miqc9hsgk7uk/fall-season-2014-nasl-team-of-week-6|publisher=North American Soccer League|date=20 August 2014|accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref> Jones made it into the NASL Team of the Week for a second time on 15 October, again against Carolina Railhawks, after scoring and providing an assist in FC Edmonton's win against them.<ref>{{cite news|title=FALL SEASON 2014: NASL TEAM OF WEEK 14|url=http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/14fevpq2a2knm15xohsmlewrpg/fall-season-2014-nasl-team-of-week-14#.VJXn4V4gKA|publisher=North American Soccer League|date=15 October 2014|accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref> After a very successful Fall season, FC Edmonton narrowly missed out on a playoff place by one point.

On 10 May 2015, Jones captained the side against New York Cosmos and scored one of FC Edmonton's two goals. On 22 June 22, 2016, FC Edmonton and Jones mutually agreed to terminate his contract, in order to allow him to recuperate from a serious knee injury suffered in November 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcedmonton.com/news/2016/06/22/fc-edmonton-announces-departure-of-midfielder-ritchie-jones|publisher=FC Edmonton|title=FC Edmonton announces departure of MF Ritchie Jones|date=23 June 23, 2016}}</ref>

!colspan="2"|[[Football LeagueEFL Cup|League Cup]]

|[[Oldham Athletic A.F.C.|Oldham Athletic]]

{{reflist|30em}}

[[Category:SportspeopleFootballers from Manchester]]

[[Category:English men's footballers]]

[[Category:English expatriate men's footballers]]

[[Category:AssociationMen's association football midfielders]]

[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Belgium]]

[[Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in Canada]]

[[Category:England men's youth international footballers]]

[[Category:BelgianChallenger SecondPro Division/Belgian First Division BLeague players]]

[[Category:North American Soccer League (2011–2017) players]]